Diningout 9 17 17 by High Desert Media Group

SEPTEMBER 17, 2017

DINING OUT

BURGER

MANIA Apollo Restaurant draws customers from far and wide

Page 8 DiNapoliâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Firehouse Page 11 W Spoon Buffet Page 16

DINING OUT

Sunday, September 17, 2017

From the editor’s desk

t only takes a trip to the Midwest to realize how lucky we are in the High Desert to have so many restaurant choices. If you like meat and potatoes, Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota are for you. In Omaha, you’ll find a good selection of sushi restaurants too, and even in the small towns of Iowa mom-and-pop Mexican restaurants are increasing. In Le Mars, Iowa, pizza is king, with sandwich shops a close second. But for sheer variety, none of the cities I visited could touch the High Desert. As a matter of fact, I don’t think I saw one Italian restaurant, although I’m sure there must have been a couple, in the three Midwest states we visited. Here, of course, it’s a different matter. We have excellent sushi restaurants, top-notch Mexican restaurants, great sandwich shops, wonderful burger joints, incredible steak joints, fabulous buffets and awesome Italian and American eateries. And as far as cupcakes, cakes and desserts go, who can top Baconballs Cupcakery in Hesperia? So while the pace of life may be slower and a little more relaxed in the Midwest, the desert is definitely the place for great food. Let’s eat! — Steve Hunt

DINING OUT From the editor’s desk �� 2 Weekly specials �� 3 Happy Hour specials �� 4 Where to dine �� 5 Latin food �� 6 A safe night out �� 7 Apollo Restaurant �� 8 Food in photos �� 10 DiNapoli’s Firehouse �� 11 Food in photos �� 12 Restaurant grades �� 14 W Spoon Buffet �� 16 Dining Out is published by the Victor Valley Daily Press, 13891 Park Ave., Victorville, CA 92392. Copyright 2017. All rights reserved.

Editor Steve Hunt Advertising Director Angie Callahan Advertising Manager Lisa Woodhart Contributing writers Kathy Young Martial Haprov Steve Hunt Contributing photographers James Quigg, Janice Osborn, Kathy Young, Lisa Woodhart Cover and page design Ivan Hundric Copy editing Steve Hunt

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Thursday

Trio Combo Meal Turkey Burger

Friday

Fries Flourless Cake

Saturday

A1 Grill, Teriyaki and Roll

Monday: Half off sprinkles Tuesday: $1 French macarons Wednesday: Buy 1, get 1 Daily Deals Buy one specialty roll, get half off, jumbo cupcakes second roll 50 percent off (with coupon in this publication only!) Burgerim

Baconballs Cupcakery Daily Deals

Daily Deals Monday

Merguez Burger in a combo meal or a la carte Marshmallow Dream

Salmon Burger Chicken Strips Chicken Sandwich Salads

Sunday

Salmon Burger Chicken Strips Chicken Sandwich Salads

Cross Eyed Cow Pizza Daily Deals

Apple Valley and Barstow

Daily Deals

Monday through Sunday: Buy one medium pizza, get the second 2-topping medium pizza for $7.99

Taco Tuesday (Apple Valley only): $2 full-size tacos Wednesday: half-priced Di Napoli’s margaritas, 3 to 8 p.m. W Spoon Buffet Firehouse S u n d a y : Champagne Daily Deals (cannot be Daily Deals brunch, all you can eat, 9 a.m. Monday through Sunday: to 2:30 p.m. ($13.95 adults, combined with any other offers) Lunch specials — Mini pizza, $7.95 kids) Monday: 2 regular adult 2 toppings with soup or salad price, get 1 kid (3-7) free or $11.95 or half sandwich with Mile High Cafe (8-11) half price soup or salad $10.95 Daily Deals Tuesday: Military extra Monday through Sunday: 10% off with Military ID. El Salvador Del Daily breakfast and lunch Wednesday: Senior 65+ Mundo specials extra 10 percent off Thursday: Buy 4 regular Daily Deals priced adult buffets, get 1 adult Wednesday Ninja Sushi free Pupusa $1.99 all day Daily Deals Friday: Buy 9 regular Monday through Sunday: priced adult buffets, get 1 adult All sushi and rolls 50 percent free Firehouse Subs off (all day) Daily Deals Wednesday: Kids eat for Wood Grill Buffet 99 cents

Idle Spurs Daily Deals

Tu e s d a y t h r o u g h Sunday: Daily dinner specials

Los Domingos

Shakey’s Pizza Daily Deals Monday - All Day

Sunday, September 17, 2017

DAILY SPECIALS

Wednesday

Wagyu Beef Burger Chicken Wings

Monday through Friday: 2 slices with 2 toppings and a drink for $6.95

Daily Deals

Taco Tuesday: after 4 p.m. 15” large one-topping thin Wednesday: Wing Night crust pizza for $9.99 with the after 4 p.m. purchase of a pitcher of beer Friday: Seafood Night after 4 p.m. or 4 soft drinks.

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Tuesday

Trio Combo Meal Turkey Burger

DINING OUT

Sunday, September 17, 2017

Firehouse Subs Happy Hour

HAPPY HOUR

SPECIALS

Monday through Sunday: 2 to 5 p.m. Any small sub + chips + small drink $5.99

Idle Spurs A1 Grill, Teriyaki and Roll Happy Hour 20 percent off on teriyaki bowls and specialty rolls from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily (with coupon from this publication only!)

Di Napoli’s Firehouse Happy Hour Monday through Sunday: 3 p.m. to close: $5 Well Drinks, $1 off Wine, $1 off Beer

Happy Hour Tu e s d a y t h r o u g h Sunday: 4 to 6 p.m., drink specials

Los Domingos Apple Valley and Barstow

Happy Hour Monday, 5 to 8 p.m. NFL Football Package $2 BEERS *Bud Light & Coors Light $4 SHOTS *Jager Bombs & Cactus Coolers $2 Tacos *Chicken & Beef Tuesday, 3 to 7 p.m.:

9” small one-topping thin *Bud Light & Coors Light crust pizza with 6 wings for $4 SHOTS *Jager Bombs & Cactus $12.99 Coolers $2 Tacos Monday through *Chicken & Beef Friday, 3 to 6 p.m.: Under $5 menu Mojo Mile High Cafe Potatoes ½ order $.99, C h e e s y G a r l i c B re a d ½ Happy Hour Taco Tuesday, 4 to 9 order $2.49, Pepperoni p.m.: $2 tacos, $2 enchila- Pizza Twists 4 twists $2.99, das, beer specials Boneless Chicken Wings w/choice of dipping sauce $4.99, Small 9” Pizza one Ninja Sushi topping, thin crust $4.99 Happy Hour Drink specials Coolers Pint $2.99, 22oz Super Monday through $2 Tacos Wednesday, 8 p.m. to Sunday: Large beer 2 for Mug-$3.99, Lime-A-Rita or *Chicken & Beef midnight: Family Karaoke $7, small beer 2 for $3.50, Straw-ber-Rita $3.99 Friday, 8 p.m. to mid- small Sake 99 cents, Sake (Apple Valley only) and drink night: Karaoke (Apple Valley Bomb 99 cents (with $10 specials Wood Grill Buffet minimum food order) only) and drink specials Thursday, 5 to 8 p.m. Happy Hour Saturday, 8 p.m. to NFL Football Package Monday through $2 BEERS midnight: Live band Shakey’s Pizza Friday: 2 to 4 p.m. *Bud Light & Coors Light Sunday, 4 to close Happy Hour S e n i o r H a p p y H o u r, $4 SHOTS NFL Football Package Monday Night 5 p.m. $8.99 – close: *Jager Bombs & Cactus $2 BEERS

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Serves Alcohol

Breakfast

Brunch

Catering

Dinner

H O

Happy Hour

D C Idle Spurs Steakhouse

HEALTHY

10326 E Ave., Hesperia 760-881-9956

690 Old Highway 58, Barstow 760-256-8888

D A

Mile High Cafe

8832 Orange St., Hesperia 760-947-8844

B C

Wood Grill Buffet

Online Ordering AMERICAN

Apollo Burger

14135 Main St., Hesperia 760-981-4418

14950 7th St., Victorville 760-245-4900

D Burgerim

The Mall of Victor Valley, 14400 Bear Valley Road, #701, Victorville 760-243-4494

D C A

W Spoon Buffet

14689 Valley Center Drive, #C, Victorville 760-241-0900

D C

Ninja Poki Yaki

17878 Wika Road, Apple Valley 760-646-9966

www.shakeys.com

MEXICAN

D C

Los Domingos

H O

JAPANESE

A1 Grill, Teriyaki & Roll

ITALIAN

19242 National Trails Highway, Oro Grande 760-241-1987 www.crosseyedcowpizza.com/

D C

13325 Main St., Suite 108, Hesperia 760-983-5512 www.firehousesubs.com

Firehouse Subs

15850 Apple Valley Road, #116, Apple Valley 760-242-3913

Shakey’s Pizza

14120 Bear Valley Road, Suite 103, Victorville 760-952-0010

WHERE TO DINE

Ninja Sushi

D C

SUBS & SALADS

Di Napoli’s Firehouse

17856 Wika Road, Apple Valley 760-242-5802 www.dinapolisfirehouse.com

D C

Cross Eyed Cow Pizza

D C

15061 Bear Valley Road, Hesperia 760-949-8900 www.a1grill.com

D C

17790 Wika Road, Apple Valley 760-946-5344 www.losdomingosapplevalley.com

D C

Sunday, September 17, 2017

DESSERTS

Baconballs Cupcakery

SALVADORIAN

El Salvador Del Mundo

15329 Palmdale Road, Suite J, Victorville 760-241-8308

D C

Di Napoli’s Firehouse • Pizza • Pasta • Salads • Dinner Entrees • Beer • Wine • Cocktails

Dough, Breads and Sauces made Fresh Daily.

Not valid with any other Discount

Buy $50 Gift Card for Only

Cannot be used at time of purchase. No Limit. Valid w/coupon only. Not valid w/other offers. Valid Only at Apple Valley. VVDP VV-00060492

$10 OFF $5 OFF Purchase of $60 or more

Valid w/coupon only. Not valid w/other offers. Dine in only. Valid Only at Apple Valley location. Limit 1 coupon per party, per visit, per table. Excludes taxes, gratuity, alcohol beverages & Gift card purchases. VVDP

Purchase of $35 or more

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SYMBOL KEY

DINING OUT www.burgerim.com

DINING OUT

Sunday, September 17, 2017

Latin dishes from around the world prove popular in America

eople celebrate their heritages in various ways. One of the more popular ways to celebrate oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s heritage is by breaking bread with others. Recipes passed down through generations can teach people about a particular culture, even shedding light on that culture for people of different backgrounds. Foods are important

to people of all ethnicities, including those who identify as Hispanic or Latino. Latin foods are quite diverse and enjoyed by people across the globe, and no celebration of Hispanic heritage would be complete without incorporating food into the festivities. Arepas: Arepas are bread-like products made

of ground maise dough. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re primarily enjoyed by those from Venezuela and Columbia, but are also often served in Panama, Trinidad and Tobago and the Canary Islands. Arepas may be stuffed or served with accompaniments, such as cheese or avocado. A s a d o : Those who visit Argentina may come across asado, a term used for a particular barbecue technique. Asado mainly features flank-cut beef ribs flavored with chimichurri, cooled on a grill or over an open fire. Cured sausages, sweetbreads and poultry may also be used when cooking in the asado style. Bandeja paisa: This Colombian dish is com-

prised of a platter of different foods in generous portions. Traditional items include red beans cooked with pork, white rice, ground meat, a fried egg, plantains, and avocado. Ceviche: Ceviche, also called cebiche, is a dish of fresh, raw fish that has

been slightly cured thanks to citrus juices. The dish can be slightly bitter and spiced. Ceviche is often served as an appetizer, and it is quite popular in Peru, Ecuador and Chile. C h u r r o s : Churros are most often served as breakfast or a sweet snack.

Churros are a fried pastry stick or a twisted pastry that may be served plain or filled with fruit or chocolate. Some churros are sprinkled with sugar. Flan: Another sweet treat, flan is a dessert item. While some recognize it as a kind of tart, in many Spanish-speaking countries, it is a custard-style dessert with a caramelized top. Paella: A well-known Spanish dish, paella is served in many different restaurants and Latin households. Paella is rice embellished with fish, meats, saffron, and many other spices. Seafood paella can have fish mixed with shellfish as well.

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arty hosts are tasked with a number of responsibilities as they try to coordinate successful events. Although planning menus and entertainment might be a hostâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top priority, consideration also should be given to keeping guests comfortable and safe, particularly at parties where alcohol will be served. P ro t e c t i n g g u e s t s begins with being a responsible party host. It is the hostsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; duty to monitor their guestsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; alcohol consumption and to recognize when guests have had enough, even when dining at a restaurant. Talking to the bartender or server at the restaurant can help limit how much people are

being served. Hosts also may want to have several transportation options at the ready to take party participants home after the festivities. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 30 people in the United States

die every day in motor vehicle crashes that involve an alcohol-impaired driver. Preventing tipsy party guests from driving home can reduce the number of injuries and deaths on the road. Explore the options for safe party travel and

have a contingency plan in place if one of these options falls through. Designated driver: Hosts can choose to remain sober and shuttle guests home if need be. Otherwise, ask someone else to abstain from alcohol and drive others home at the end of the night. Taxi service: Hosts can make arrangements with nearby taxi companies or car services to arrive outside restaurants at the end of the party. If the party is being held somewhere other than a restaurant, carry taxi business cards with you to arrange for pickup at the venue. Van or bus rental: Party buses can be a safe

and fun way to transport guests around. This can be the ideal option when bringing a large group of people to the same venue or on a long-distance trip. Some party buses provide on-board entertainment, such as televisions or gaming options. Hosts also can rent extended vans from car rental companies or consult with a limousine

service. Public transportation: Public transportation is a safe and affordable way to get guests home safely. Buses and trains can be inexpensive choices and safe methods for getting people home. Have bus or train fare available in the event guests do not have any cash on them.

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Always arrange transportation for a safe night on the town

Sunday, September 17, 2017

DINING OUT

Sunday, September 17, 2017

It all starts with the beef at Apollo Victorville restaurant’s burgers set a high standard for quality and creativity

By Martial Haprov For Dining Out

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Apollo Restaurant in Victorville offers a variety of burgers that have gained legendary status in the High Desert. James Quigg, Dining Out

ICTORVILLE — Handmade patties are the true show of a restaurant’s commitment to great burgers. Or so those restaurants would have you believe. The burger patties at Apollo Restaurant in Victorville are indeed handmade, but owner Victor Gurrola will tell anyone who asks that his level of quality doesn’t start there. It starts in top-notch beef — angus or prime — that’s ground fresh every day of operation. “Look in here,” Gurrola tells Dining Out as he points to a tub full of steaks that had been ground minutes earlier. “There’s no moisture sitting at the bottom of this. It’s all still in the meat. It’s cooked that way. You won’t get a dry burger here. That’s when you know you’re eating a great burger.” Gurrola takes incredible pride in the product Apollo offers every day. He’s had control of the restaurant since 2011 with his first cousin, Albert Esparza, running the day-to-day operations. Apollo Burger has been here in Victorville for a long time, but after changing hands a few times, Gurrola took the restaurant back and set out to rework the menu, this time focusing squarely on burgers that proverbially blow other burger joints in the Victor Valley out of the water. That focus shows in the detail that goes into not only preparing the burgers but building the unique concoctions found on Apollo’s wall menu and “Off Menu” menu. That’s a menu available to customers on request that features burgers and sandwiches employee- or customer-inspired that worked so well, Gurrola said they had no choice but to offer them as regular options. Of the restaurant’s standard or “on the wall” burgers, the Classic and the Narcissist stand out as easy favorites among those who dine here regularly or for the first time. True to its name, the Classic is a

Sunday, September 17, 2017

DINING OUT

6-ounce patty with lettuce, tomato, pickles, fresh or caramelized onions and special sauce. Gurrola says his staff will almost always suggest this to first-timers. “It’s a much better place to start than one of the bigger burgers because you can really get a sense of how good our burgers are,” Gurrola said. “And when you think about coming here to eat again, you’ll remember that Classic burger and how good it was, and not that you have to have a huge appetite to eat here.”

The big appetite helps, though, with the Narcissist, two 6-ounce patties with two slices of cheese, four strips of bacon, lettuce, tomato, pickles, fresh or caramelized onions and special sauce. The Mannimal is another well-known burger option here, designed to appeal to the adventurous eater: It’s their Classic combo with bacon, but in place of the bun is a grilled cheese sandwich on the top and bottom. On the Off Menu menu, there’s the Mac N’ Down

Burger: a cheeseburger with the standard toppings accompanied by a thick patty of fried macaroni and cheese, homemade chili and mustard. Introduced recently is the Fungi Burger with mushrooms sauteed in 1 pound of butter, fresh garlic, salt and pepper with their classic 6-ounce patty. Gurrola and Esparza recommend ordering it with either Swiss or pepper jack cheese. And don’t miss their Tator Bombs, served exclusively on Fridays: tater tots that barely fit in the palm of your hand

stuffed with cheese and diced jalapeno. Gurrola says their foot traffic teeters more on the out-oftown side with guests traveling to and from Vegas stopping here to fill up their bellies. He acknowledges that Apollo may not be the first or easiest place to stop when you’re trying to find something quick to eat — they put incredible care and time into each order — but he hopes more locals will continue to discover all that Apollo has to offer. “We had to become a des-

tination, not a convenience,” Gurrola said. “You’re here because you want to eat here,” not because you happened to drive by. “We try to keep our story alive and we’re always striving to improve,” Gurrola said. “If we’re gonna charge a little more than your average burger, you better be getting a good burger. Apollo Restaurant is located at 14950 Seventh St. in Victorville. Search for them on Facebook or call 760-245-4900 for more information.

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Michelle Mesen makes Apollo’s Friday-only specialty — tater bombs. They include cheese and jalapeno peppers and are hand made. James Quigg, Dining Out

DINING OUT

Sunday, September 17, 2017 Adding bacon to a burger at Apollo Restaurant. James Quigg, Dining Out

Red peppers, mushrooms and hard-boiled eggs help make a great salad at the Idle Spurs Steak House in Barstow. James Quigg, Dining Out

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By Kathy Young Dining Out

et’s face it: If you want to drink the perfect wine with your meal, you need to be adept in the art of pairing the right wine with your menu. Wine pairing is an art. You can learn from books or the Internet, from magazines like Food & Wine or Sunset. You can visit wineries and get the experts’ opinions on which wines go perfectly with your favorite dishes. But if you have a special occasion coming up — a date, an anniversary or other celebration — and want to impress your guests but need an expert immediately, make a reservation at DiNapoli’s Firehouse Italian Eatery in Apple Valley. Order something delicious from their comprehensive menu, then ask to speak to Jan. Jan and Tony opened DiNapoli’s Firehouse with owner Nick 14 years ago. Jan is server extraordinaire and Tony refers all wine pairing questions to her because, in his words, “She’s the expert.” We wanted to see what Jan would suggest, so we ordered one of their daily specials, the Tour of DiNapoli — a wonderful Meat Lasagna, Chicken Parmagiono, and Fettucine Alfredo. The meal comes with two pieces of toasted garlic bread and a choice of soup or salad for $18.95. Then we turned to Jan to be the wine guide. No longer bound by “white wine with chicken or fish, red wine with meats,” today wine pairings are guided by the

dominant flavors of a particular dish that come from the sauces, spices or herbs that comprise the entire dish. Cooking methods can also affect the dominance. Jan suggested that our dinner would work with either a red or a white wine. She brought out a William Hall Pinot Noir. This widely available bottling is, according to Winemag.com, a soft-onthe-palate selection with “light strawberry, tart cherry and fruit-punch aromas with a touch of thyme,” perfect for beautifully seasoned Italian dishes. Jan’s second choice was a Chateau Ste. Michelle Reisling. This Washington state wine is referred to as “our everyday Reisling” by Columbia Valley. The dry wine is crisp and refreshing, again perfect with the Italian dishes we selected. Neither wine is expensive. The Pinot Noir was under $20 a bottle; the Reisling was under $10 a bottle. We suggest you let Jan at DiNapoli’s Firehouse enhance your delicious meal with a bottle of specially selected wine. Dessert wines are also available. DiNapoli’s Firehouse has a Happy Hour special, too. Happy Hour runs from 3 p.m. to closing seven days a week. Order appetizers at the bar only and receive 20 percent off. DiNapoli’s Firehouse is located in Barstow at 1358 East Main St. The telephone number is 760-2561094. The Apple Valley eatery is at 17856 Highway 18. The telephone number The staff at DiNapoli’s Firehouse will be happy to advise you whether to choose red or white wine with your entree. James Quigg, Dining Out is 760-242-5802.

11 Sunday, September 17, 2017

DiNapoli’s Firehouse can advise on ‘Signature Wine Pairings’

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DINING OUT

Sunday, September 17, 2017 The Idle Spurs Steak House in Barstow is a must for any meat-and-potatoes lover, W Spoon Buffet serves a big variety of Asian cuisine. Here are dumplings, green beans, fried rice, coconut although the restaurantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vegetables are good too! James Quigg, Dining Out shrimp, noodles, beef with broccoli and two kinds of sushi. Kathy Young, Dining Out

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Sunday, September 17, 2017

DINING OUT

Sunday, September 17, 2017

RESTAURANT GRADES

(All grades provided by the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health and represent the latest grade given. A=90-100, B=80-89, C=70-79. To view restaurant grades for yourself, visit www.sbcounty.gov/dph/ehsportal/Facilities/Food)

Adelanto

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Adelanto Market �� 93 Adelanto Senior Nutrition �� 100 Adelita’s Tamales Mexican Food �� 90 American Legion Post 229 �� 94 Bargains R Us �� 99 Baskin-Robbins �� 90 Bellagio Club �� 100 Bravo Burgers..... #6 �� 83 Carl’s Junior #39 �� 91 Circle K #8644 �� 91 Columbia Middle School �� 100 Crisp Crust Pizza �� 96 Del Taco #1000 �� 93 Denny’s Restaurant #7840 �� 94 Express Bakery �� 90 Fat Boyz Grill �� 93 Fresh Wok Chinese Fast Food �� 90 JDS Fast Food �� 93 KFC/Long John Silvers �� 91 La Fiesta Pizza �� 99 La Pizza Loca #1 �� 91 Lee’s Donuts �� 97 Little Caesar’s Pizza �� 90 Migulelito’s Mexican Food �� 90 Panaderia Azteca �� 99 Raul’s Mexican Food �� 94 Rubio’s Fresh Mexican Grill #220 �� 94 Saul’s Produce �� 99 Saul’s Restaurant �� 92 Starbuck’s Coffee #10429 �� 96 Subway #39979 �� 93 Thai Siam Restaurant �� 90 The Flame Broiler �� 91 VFW Post 94-10 �� 92

Apple Valley

Juice It Up �� 90 Yogurtland �� 90 Apple Valley Arco AMPM �� 97

Apple Valley Golf Operations �� 95 Apple Valley Moose Lodge �� 93 Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar �� 95 Ashwood Golf Course Snack Bar �� 96 Baskin-Robbins �� 97 Carl’s Junior #165 �� 97 China Wok �� 95 Del Taco #1007 �� 91 El Pollo Loco #3715 �� 97 Golden Chopstix �� 97 Historic Apple Valley Inn �� 96 Jack in the Box #5400 �� 94 Jimmy Johns �� 98 KFC Apple Valley �� 97 Linko Sushi �� 96 Ninja Sushi �� 90 Papa John’s Pizza �� 93 Pieology Pizzeria �� 98 The Pizza Factory �� 96 Spirit River Cafe �� 97 Starbucks Coffee #9873 �� 97 Subway #38118 .96 Taco Bell #28214 �� 98 The Galley �� 98 Wienerschnitzel #768 �� 95 3D’s Bakery �� 94

Barstow

Barstow Community Hospital �� 100 Barstow Senior Nutrition �� 98 Barstow Station Ice Cream �� 95 Barstow Station Subway �� 92 Barstow Station McDonald’s �� 92

Casa Jimenez �� 94 Slash X Ranch Cafe �� 97 Subway and Jumpin’ Juice & Java �� 98 Viking Grill �� 98 Alberto Mexican Food �� 80 Amigos Mexican Restaurant �� 96 Ample Korean Restaurant �� 98 Arby’s �� 99 Ate 8 �� 97 Black Bear Diner �� 93 Burger King (Main Street) �� 98 Burger King (Montara) �� 97 Canton Restaurant �� 92 Carl’s Junior (Main St) �� 96 Carl’s Junior (Lenwood) �� 93 Chili’s Grill & Bar �� 97 China Town Buffet �� 93 Chipotle Mexican Grill �� 93 Dae Ho Restaurant �� 96 Del Taco #1 �� 98 Del Taco #2 �� 98 Del Taco #201 (Lenwood) �� 90 Denny’s (Fisher) �� 92 Denny’s (Lenwood) �� 94 Denny’s (Main St) �� 98 Desert Manna Ministries �� 97 Diamond’s Pizza �� 92 DiNapoli’s Firehouse �� 99 Domino’s (Main St) �� 100 Dunkin Donuts �� 97 Fat Burger (Lenwood Road) �� 91 Hana Grill (Lenwood Road) �� 93 Idle Spurs Steak House �� 91

Victorville

Shakey’s (Bear Valley Road) �� 98 33 Degree Frozen Yogurt �� 98 Adelita’s Restaurant �� 93 Ala AlDeen Restaurant �� 91

Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar �� 97 Arby’s (La Paz) �� 94 Arby’s (Bear Valley Road) �� 94 Archibald’s Drive-Thru �� 92 Baja Fresh Mexican Grill �� 91 Baja Taco �� 94 Baker’s Burgers (7th Street) �� 97 Baskin-Robbins �� 92 Bob’s Cajun Boil �� 96 Bosco’s Diner �� 90 Broken Saddle Saloon & Steakhouse �� 94 Brooklyn Italian Pizza & Pasta �� 91 Burger King (Outer 7th) �� 94 Burger King (Hesperia Road) �� 96 Burger King (Bear Valley Road) �� 92 Burger King (Palmdale Road) �� 94 Burgerim �� 91 Cafe 154 �� 90 Carino’s Italian �� 92 Carl’s Junior (7th Street) �� 96 Carl’s Junior (Bear Valley Road) �� 98 Charley’s Philly Steak �� 91 Chateau Chang �� 96 Chili’s Grill & Bar �� 95 Chipotle Mexican Grill �� 97 Chuck E Cheese’s �� 96 Church’s Chicken (Palmdale Road) �� 90 Cordova’s Bakery �� 99 Costco �� 100 D’Vine Wine Bar �� 98 Del Taco (Palmdale Road) �� 96 Del Taco (7th Street) �� 91 Del Taco (Hesperia Road) �� 100 Denny’s (Valley Center) �� 96 Diamond Panda �� 90 Dickey’s Barbecue Pit �� 92 Domino’s (Palmdale Road) �� 93 Don Bento’s Mexican Food �� 98 Donut Inn �� 90 Down Home Grill �� 90 Edible Arrangements �� 97 El Charro Oaxaca �� 97 El Parrandaro Family Restaurant �� 94 El Pescador Seafood & Mexican Grill �� 94 El Tio Pepe �� 97 Farmer Boys (Hesperia Road) �� 95 Farmer Boys (Bear Valley Road) �� 90 Farmer Boys (Roy Rogers) �� 93 Fatburgers �� 90 F&D Buffet �� 96 Fratelli’s Pizzeria �� 94 Freddy’s Steakburgers �� 90 Giuseppe’s Italian Restaurant �� 90 Goody’s Family Restaurant �� 95 Gridiron Pizza �� 96 Good Fellas Grill �� 93 Golden Chopstix �� 97 Golden Gate Restaurant �� 91 Hanabi Sushi �� 95 Holland Burger Cafe �� 95 House of Joy �� 95 Itchy Foot Island Deli �� 90 Juan Pollo �� 98 Shakey’s �� 98 Note: Not all restaurants in the High Desert are listed due to space limitations. This list will be updated periodically.

Sunday, September 17, 2017

Hesperia

Casa Delicias �� 94 Desert Barn Brewery �� 98 El Torito �� 100 Five Guys Burger & Fries �� 100 Hesperia Golf & Country Club �� 100 Hesperia Pizza Factory �� 91 Jeff’s French Dips & Subs �� 95 Juliano’s Italian Restaurant �� 98 Thai-Lotus Restaurant �� 94 Whiskey Barrel �� 93 Yogurtland �� 95 A1 Grill, Teriyaki & Roll �� 90 Arby’s �� 96 Baconballs Cupcakery �� 100 Baker’s Burgers (Main St.) �� 97 Baskin-Robbins (Main St.) �� 100 Burger King (Main St.) �� 94 Burger King (Mariposa Road) �� 93 Cancun Mexican & Seafood Restaurant �� 94 Carl’s Junior (Main St.) �� 95 Carl’s Junior (Bear Valley Road) �� 100

Casa Jimenez �� 97 China Palace �� 97 Chipotle Mexican Grill �� 100 Ciceros Pizzeria �� 99 Corral Family Restaurant �� 90 Country Kitchen Restaurant �� 93 Domino’s (Main St.) �� 97 Don Garcia Mexican Restaurant �� 96 El Charro �� 96 El Pollo Loco (Main St.) �� 96 Fina’s Giuseppe’s Italian Restaurant �� 92 Firehouse Subs �� 95 Fresh Wok �� 95 Fujisan Sushi �� 96 Gloria’s Kountry Kitchen �� 94 Golden Corral .Buffet �� 93 Habit Burger Grill �� 96 Hidden Tavern �� 90 Italian Kitchen �� 96 Jersey Mike’s Subs (Main Street) �� 98 Katsunori Sushi �� 92 La Casita Mexican Cafe �� 92 Little Caesars (Main Street) �� 98 Little Caesars (Bear Valley Road) �� 99 Louisiana Cajun Seafood House �� 97 Molly Brown’s Country Cafe (Smoketree) �� 92 Oak Hills Brewing Co. �� 99

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In-and-Out Burger (Lenwood Road) �� 98 Jack-in-the-Box (Main Street) �� 94 Little Caesars (Main Street) �� 91 Long John Silver’s �� 97 Los Domingos �� 97 Mr. Kabob �� 95 Panda Express Lenwood �� 94 Panda Express (Main Street) �� 100 Pizza Hut (Armory Road) �� 95 Oggis Brewhouse �� 96

DINING OUT

Sunday, September 17, 2017

W Spoon Buffet offers fresh, delicious Asian and American dishes By Kathy Young Dining Out

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f you believe variety is the spice of life, come prepared to experience both at W Spoon Buffet in Victorville. Situated on Valley Center Drive in the former location of Home Town Buffet, W Spoon’s Asian buffet is very inviting. Open for lunch and dinner every day, the newly remodeled restaurant offers comfortable seating — tables or booths, your choice — so you can enjoy their beautiful array of hot and cold items including Japanese Sushi with a selection of condiments such as seaweed salad, pickled ginger slices and wasabi mustard, as well as many Chinese favorites to keep you happy, and for those who like to “buffet American,” the choices are vast, too. As if that isn’t enough, W Spoon Buffet has a Hibachi Grill where you pick your favorite meat or poultry and vegetables, and the chef will prepare your “Mongolian Barbecue” to order. On weekends, Salmon and Tuna Sashimi are available. We mentioned “variety.” Here is just a sample of what we found awaiting us on our recent visit. We could dine on crawfish, king crab legs — just two of the seafood options available; mac and cheese, green beans with sesame seeds, black pepper shrimp or chicken, green pepper beef, fried rice, noodles, clams, coconut shrimp, orange chicken, oysters, squid salad, octopus sashimi, seaweed

salad, fresh fruit, spring rolls, sesame balls … well, you get the idea. No meal is complete without dessert, and if you have room for something sweet, W Spoon Buffet has plenty of choices here, too, with ice cream, cookies and cake, or if you prefer, plenty of fruit in season. There is a chocolate fountain, too. To accompany your meal, enjoy coffee, tea, water and other drinks. If you prefer an adult beverage, beer and hot sake are available. Birthday celebrations are welcome at W Spoon, and the birthday honoree receives 20 percent off with proper identification. W Spoon also caters your special events and welcomes parties and meetings. Just call to make your reservation. Seniors receive a discount, and military personnel are welcome to dine at W Spoon at a discount, too. Weekday lunch is served from 11 a.m. to 3:15 a.m. Monday through Friday. Adults dine for $10.95, seniors over 65 for $9.85, kids 8 to 11 for $6.50 and kids 3-7 for $4.50. Dinner and holiday hours are Monday to Thursday, 3:15 p.m. to 9 p.m., Friday 3:15 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Weekend hours are Saturday 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Adults dine for $15.95, seniors over 65 for $14.35; kids 8 to 11 for $8.50, kids 3 to 7, $6.50. W Spoon Buffet is located at 14689 Valley Center Drive, #C, in Victorville. The telephone A beautiful plate with W Spoon Buffet favorites like fried bananas, coconut shrimp, teriyaki chicken, spring roll and more. Kathy Young, Dining Out number is 760-241-0900.